Solar steam generating and distribution system

Abstract

Applicant's invention comprises a system for the generation and distribution of steam by solar energy comprising apparatus for the solar energy generation of steam. The system is comprised of an enclosed structure to be erected over the surface of a body of source water with the structure containing a plurality of transparent lenses which are adapted to receive incident solar rays and which force these rays at or just below the surface of the source water within a limited area. This causes surface boiling of the source water which generates steam within the enclosed structure. The system also comprises distribution conduits from the enclosed structure to places remote from the structure and booster stations which communicate with the apparatus through the conduits. Each booster station comprises a reservoir for storing the condensed water from the apparatus with an enclosure over the reservoir which contains a plurality of transparent lenses which focus incident solar rays at or just below the surface of the condensed water in the reservoir within a limited area to regenerate steam within the booster station, and outgoing distribution conduits to places remote from the booster station.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for the generation and distribution of steam by solar energy comprising apparatus for the solar energy generation of steam comprising an enclosed structure over the surface of a body of source water, said enclosed structure having a plurality of transparent lenses, said lenses adapted to receive incident solar rays and focus said rays at or just below the surface of said source water within a limited area to cause surface boiling of said source water to generate steam within said enclosed structure, and distribution conduits from said structure to a place remote from said structure and booster stations communicating with said apparatus through said conduits, said booster stations comprising a reservoir for storing condensed water from said apparatus, an enclosure over said reservoir including at least one transparent lens to focus incident solar rays at or just below the surface of said condensed water in said reservoir within a limited area to regenerate steam within said station, and outgoing distribution conduits to places remote from said booster stations. 
     
     
       2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said conduit between said apparatus and said booster station has a checkvalve to prevent water from flowing from said booster station back to said apparatus. 
     
     
       3. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said booster station is at a higher elevation than said apparatus.